The Response for the "Guidelines For Industry On Child Online Protection"; Thanks to UNICEF, ITU and VOY

The Picture from http://www.kaskus.co.id/thread/51c4434f532acf0e5e000004/8-tipe---tipe-anak-warnet/

First of all, I want to say thank you so much to UNICEF, ITU and
the other partners for the “Guidelines for Industry on Child
Online Protection” and also to Voices of Youth for the big chance
and the place to share my thoughts about this topic. I’ve been
waiting for this kind of guideline, and I write this post as my
response to the guidelines and the article, “What Should
Companies Do to Make the Internet Safe for Children?” which was
published by Voices of Youth about 4 days ago.

I’ve read the guidelines with a big smile on my face because I
think the contents and the rules are really complete and clear. I
have no idea about what the Government, Industry, Mobile
Operators, and The Internet Providers will say or do about this
reminder of their responsibility, but I don't think it was
something hard to do. I’m sure if they have the great capability
and legitimacy to create a new technology, they definitely have
the ability to arrange the system of New Information and
Communication Technology to protect children’s rights and develop
online safety for children.

Now, I will talk about the problem among the Children in
Indonesia. Especially, when they know about the Internet. I’ve
left the comment on this article (http://www.voicesofyouth.org/en/posts/what-should-companies-do-to-make-the-internet-safe-for-children-)
and it was all about my concern to the children in Indonesia. As
I said in the comment space, I think It happened because there
are so many Internet cafes that not only provide internet
connections to help people, but also allow a space for people to
find information, complete assignments and works, and use online
games. The users, including children can use the Internet
connection as long as they want, they just need to pay for it.
It’s really dangerous for the children because the owner seems
like he/she doesn’t care about the children and only cares about
the profit.

I really worry about this issue because it also happened to my
little brother and his friends. They can spend 5 hours playing
online games in the Internet cafe. Luckily, I can always remind
him about the dangers of online gaming at his age. And I am
really grateful because my parents can provide us the Internet
connection at home, with the safety program provided by the
Internet services provider. And because of that, we can keep an
eye on each other. Back to the issue, I found the fact in a
report (You can go to the link at the Sources space to download
the report) and here is an important statement;

“Data was collected by standard questionnaire for Lemmens with
7 addiction criteria to 71 school-age children in internet gaming
online shop in Jatinangor Sumedang. Respondent who include to not
addiction category if have <4 addiction criteria or addiction
category if have ≥ 4 addiction criteria.The result showed 38%
respondent include to not addiction category and 62% respondent
include to addiction category. Summarized that this research was
addiction level happen in school-age children. Parent, teachers,
and health educator should do any intervention for health
education about playing games in children, for example through
workshop or seminar at school and family therapy.”

That is the result from 2012 of a region, not the whole
Indonesia. Because I’m sure, it also occurs in Jakarta and other
regions. I always wanted to let people know and care about this
issue. I really want to share my post with UNICEF Indonesia, so
that we can work together, make a specific plan, and also involve
the other awesome youth, organizations and institutions in
Indonesia. I can’t wait to share the contents and the rules in
the guidelines, at least to my family and relatives or perhaps
make the campaign in the name of youth and children’s right.

I want to make the technology as the "People's Unifier" based on
awareness, togetherness, monitoring, problem solving and
peacekeeping. Our life is surrounded by The Technology and The
New Media or Social Media. We just need to use and maximize the
technology to contribute in the process of change. The process
are include; Realizing the issues, Understanding, Sharing,
Discussing, Problem Solving, Field work, Evaluating and
Reporting.

I believe, there are so many talented and clever youth out there
who have a big dream, a big idea and definitely understand the
purpose and the way to reach their dream. In order to find a
creative solution, young people should be listened to and
trusted. We really know that we must try and work hard to make
our ideas, plans and dreams come true. We absolutely can’t work
alone, that’s why we need the other young people to work
together. The most important thing is, the support from the
legitimate institutions and organizations.